Zijin Golden Ridge Limited (ZGRL) has taken another step to consolidate its presence in the mining sector by reinforcing its long-term development age
Zijin Golden Ridge Limited (ZGRL) has taken another step to consolidate its presence in the mining sector by reinforcing its long-term development agenda in the Birim North District, with a renewed focus on local employment, worker safety and peaceful coexistence with host communities.
The move comes amid growing expectations from mining communities for inclusive development and transparent engagement from large-scale operators.
At a formal signing ceremony held at the Birim North District Assembly, the company entered into a Framework Agreement with local stakeholders, following weeks of dialogue and consultations.
The event brought together traditional rulers, youth leaders from affected communities and members of the District Security Council, reflecting a broad-based effort to address community concerns through structured engagement rather than confrontation.
The Framework Agreement, among other things, provides clarity on pre-employment health requirements for certain mining roles, an issue that has previously generated anxiety among job-seeking youth in mining areas.
By clearly defining these requirements, the agreement seeks to balance regulatory and safety obligations with the aspirations of local residents for fair access to employment opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of the company, the Vice President for Human Resources at Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, Mr. Harry He, described the agreement as a practical demonstration of the company’s commitment to responsible mining and partnership with its host communities.
He explained that the framework is designed to promote transparency and mutual understanding, while ensuring that the company complies with legal and occupational safety standards.
According to Mr. He, sustained mining operations can only succeed where trust and open communication exist between investors and local communities.
He stressed that the agreement reinforces Zijin Golden Ridge’s belief that long-term sustainability is built on dialogue, shared responsibility and respect for community concerns, rather than unilateral decision-making.
Representing the youth groups from the affected communities, Mr. Alexander Ofori welcomed the agreement, describing it as a signal of the peaceful approach the company intends to adopt in its operations.
He said the youth are encouraged by Zijin Golden Ridge’s stated vision for the district and expressed readiness to collaborate with the company to translate that vision into tangible development outcomes.
Mr. Ofori noted that unemployment remains a major concern among young people in the area, adding that expectations are high that the company’s operations will open up job opportunities and stimulate economic activity in the district.
The District Chief Executive of Birim North, Hakeem Abdul Antwi, also hailed the signing as the beginning of a new chapter for the district.
He described the agreement as a collective achievement involving the youth, traditional authorities and the company, and underscored the importance of dialogue in maintaining peace and stability in mining communities.
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